8-Hour Salmon Fishing on Columbia River & Pacific
Shared Trip
River Fishing
8hour shared salmon fishing trip on Columbia River and Pacific OceanTargets salmon in waters with some of the world's largest runsAccommodates both experienced anglers and beginners with professional guidance
Picture yourself on the water at first light, coffee steaming from your thermos as we motor out to some of the Pacific Northwest's most productive salmon waters. This shared 8-hour trip takes you where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean – a fishing paradise that hosts some of the world's largest salmon runs. Starting at 6:30 AM, you'll fish alongside one other angler in waters that have been delivering trophy catches for decades. Whether you've been chasing salmon for years or just picked up your first rod, these waters offer the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
We launch early to beat the crowds and hit prime feeding times when salmon are most active. The Columbia River plume creates a nutrient-rich zone where fresh and saltwater mix, drawing massive schools of baitfish – and the hungry salmon that follow them. You'll fish both the lower Columbia and venture into Pacific waters, giving you a taste of two completely different fishing environments in one trip. The river offers structure and current breaks where salmon stage before their spawning runs, while ocean fishing puts you right in the migration highways. Expect to cover serious water as we follow the fish, adjusting our approach based on current conditions, tides, and where the action is hottest that day.
We'll be trolling with downriggers and divers, running everything from flasher-and-hoochie combos to cut plug herring depending on what the fish are hitting. The Columbia's deep channels require different presentations than the ocean's open water, so you'll learn multiple techniques throughout the day. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided – we run quality gear that can handle the brute strength of a 30-pound Chinook. I'll have you working with both baitcasters and spinning setups, teaching you how to read your rod tip for the subtle takes that often signal a trophy fish. We'll adjust leader lengths, trolling speeds, and depths based on what the fish finder shows us and how the salmon are behaving that particular day.
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Pacific Northwest fishing, and these waters produce some absolute monsters. These king salmon can tip the scales at 40 pounds or more, with their broad shoulders and chrome-bright sides making for photos you'll be showing off for years. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish typically showing up during the summer months when they're feeding heavily before their spawning runs. What makes Chinooks so special is their fight – they're powerful, stubborn fish that will test your drag system and your patience. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the grill or smoker.
Coho salmon bring a completely different energy to the boat. These silver rockets are pure adrenaline, known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. They typically range from 8 to 15 pounds, but what they lack in size compared to Chinooks, they make up for in attitude. Coho season peaks in late summer and early fall, and they're aggressive feeders that'll often hit lures with authority. Their bright silver sides and forked tails make them gorgeous fish, and their firm, flaky meat is considered by many to be the best eating of all the Pacific salmon species.
With only two anglers per trip, spots fill up fast during peak salmon season. This isn't a cattle boat experience – you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The Columbia River and Pacific Ocean combination gives you the best of both worlds, and 8 hours on the water means we can really dial in on the bite. Whether you're looking to land your first salmon or add another trophy to your collection, these waters deliver the goods. The early start time puts you right in the prime bite window, and the shared format keeps costs reasonable while maintaining a quality fishing experience. Book now and get ready to experience why Oregon's salmon fishing is legendary among anglers worldwide.
The Catcher's Dream is your ticket to some of Oregon's best salmon fishing. This 26-foot aluminum skiff was built tough in 1987 and completely restored in 2023, so she's ready for whatever the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean throw at you. With twin 225HP Honda engines pushing her along at 32 knots, you'll cover serious water fast to reach the hottest fishing spots. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. GPS navigation keeps us on track whether we're running the river channels or heading out to ocean structure, while the fish finder helps locate schools of salmon holding in deeper water. The aluminum hull cuts through chop smoothly and handles both river currents and ocean swells like a champ. Perfect for targeting those legendary Columbia River chinook and coho that make these waters famous among serious salmon fishermen.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaThe kings of our waters, Chinooks are what most anglers dream about landing. These massive salmon typically run 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but we regularly see 20-30 pounders in the Columbia. They're silver with blue-green backs and black spots covering their heads and fins. Kings prefer deeper water and stay near the bottom, especially during bright conditions. Early morning trips work best since they're light-sensitive. The fight is legendary - they'll test your gear and stamina. Plus, that rich orange meat makes for outstanding table fare. Pro tip: use weighted gear and fish the deeper channels where the current breaks. When trolling, keep your bait right along the bottom structure where these bruisers cruise.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure adrenaline on a line. These acrobatic fighters average 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, but what they lack in size compared to kings, they make up for in aerial shows. Cohos have bright silver sides with dark blue-green backs and can jump up to 6 feet out of the water when hooked. They prefer calmer areas near debris and structure in both the river and nearshore ocean waters. During runs, they're aggressive and will hit a variety of lures. The meat is bright orange-red and tastes fantastic. These fish put on a real show, jumping and running hard. Local trick: in holding water, try twitching jigs with long tails - the extra movement drives them crazy when they're staged up.
Oregon